Sorensen: Heading to Europe this summer

This summer my wife and I will be headed to Europe for a fun vacation, this time just for the two of us. We are taking a river cruise on the Danube River and will spend a little time in Switzerland on the way back. We love Europe and can’t wait to go back. There is so much to see and do in every corner of Europe, make sure you take the opportunity to experience this amazing continent.

Today I will write about some of the great places and ways to explore Europe. This will be my 6th trip to Europe and I have thoroughly enjoyed everywhere we have visited. The first question I am asked is: “Is it safe?” I feel completely safe in Europe. Yes, there have been some problems but I think of it this way: Think about all of the tourist sites and cities in Europe (thousands), times that by the number of days in the tourist season (about 200) and then times it by the number of seconds in a day. The result is the likelihood that something will happen to you right at the exact second you are there. My calculator came up with a one in about 5 billion chance that you will be there at the wrong time. Short story is that yes something could happen but it is very unlikely.

How to go?

You can take a river cruise like I will, gliding down one of the many picturesque rivers in the heart of Europe. You could take a fascinating Mediterranean or a Scandinavia/Russia Cruise to amazing ports/cities along the coasts. You could take an escorted tour through the interior of the continent—especially if you don’t speak the language. Or you could explore on your own, taking trains and local transportation. All are great options; you just need to figure out which one is best for your vacation.

Where to go?

If it is your first trip to Europe I would start with Italy, although you might not want to go anywhere else after your incredible experience there. Hit the most popular cities/sites in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, and Naples/Pompeii. If you love beautiful mountains and lakes head for the Lakes Region at the foot of the Italian Alps.

France and Spain are also amazing places to visit. I love standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower and looking over Paris at sunset. Many cruises leave from Barcelona, make sure to go in a few days early to explore the great museums in Madrid and the amazing city of Barcelona.

Greece and Turkey are also spectacular. I love the Greek Islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos. The city of Athens and the Parthenon are breathtaking. The history and ruins at Ephesus in Turkey are incredible.

I am out of space but you should also consider England, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland……and so many others. Don’t miss the amazing experiences of traveling in Europe! If you are like me, you will plan your next Europe trip on the flight home.

Travel Tip

June, July and August are the busiest months in Europe, if you can travel in May or September, there will be less people and the weather is generally pretty good.

Travel Deals

Pacific Coastal cruise October 6th has a bus departing right from St George. 15-Day Hawaii cruise December 4th with bus to port. Great deals on the 28-day cruise to Tahiti and Hawaii for March 30, 2019, bus to port.

Gary Sorensen is a Vice President at Morris Murdock Travel. For all of your travel plans contact Morris Murdock Travel at 595 S. Bluff St. in St George; 628-3633 or gsorensen@morrismurdock.com